Do I need gait analysis to choose the right running shoes?
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Choosing the right running shoes can feel overwhelming - especially with so many brands, foams, technologies and opinions online.
One of the most common questions we get in-store is:
“Do I really need gait analysis to find the best shoes for me?”
The short answer?
If you want the most accurate, personalised shoe recommendation… yes.
Here’s why.
What actually is gait analysis?
A gait analysis is a simple, non-invasive assessment that looks at:
How your foot lands
How much your ankle rolls in or out
Whether you heel strike, midfoot strike, or forefoot strike
How your body moves as you transition through each step
At Sportlink, we film you running on our in-store treadmill and slow the footage down so our experts can review your movement in detail.
Store manager Mark Thorpe explains: “The main benefit is working out whether you overpronate (roll inward), are neutral, or roll outward. Once we know your mechanics, we can recommend the type of shoe that will work best for your gait.”
Why foot mechanics matter
Your running mechanics affect how much pressure goes through different parts of your body. For example:
Overpronation (rolling inward) can place extra load on the knee and hip
Supination (rolling outward) can lead to stress around the ankle
Heel striking creates more impact, so some runners benefit from additional cushioning
Midfoot striking spreads the load more evenly
Forefoot striking may suit lighter, more responsive shoes
Mark explains: “Not everyone lands the same way. Lots of runners heel strike - and that’s totally normal - but it changes the type of shock absorption they might need.”
Gait analysis helps you understand your pattern, not a generic one.
Neutral vs support shoes - which do you need?
This is where many runners get confused. Gait analysis removes the guesswork.
A neutral shoe is typically:
More flexible
Slightly lighter
Naturally cushioned
Designed for runners who don’t excessively roll in
A support/stability shoe is designed to:
Reduce excessive inward roll
Guide the foot into a straighter path
Offer firmer foam or sidewalls to support the arch
Mark uses a brilliant analogy: “A support shoe works like bumpers in a bowling alley. If your foot rolls in a bit too far, the shoe gently nudges it back into line.”
Without seeing how you run, it’s almost impossible to know which one will suit you best.
Does gait analysis prevent injuries?
Here’s the honest answer:
Gait analysis can help reduce certain risk factors - but it’s not the whole story.
Mark reinforces this clearly: “Shoes are only one part of the equation. Your workload and strength routine are just as important.”
A runner’s full injury-prevention toolkit includes:
A carefully managed training load
A regular strength and conditioning programme
Adequate recovery
Good technique
Rotating shoes to allow foam to decompress
Gait analysis helps you choose a shoe that supports your body - but your habits do the rest.
Is gait analysis only for beginners?
Not at all.
Gait changes over time due to:
Increased mileage
Age
Injury history
Strength changes
Even experienced runners often discover things they didn’t know about their movement.
So… do you need gait analysis to get the best running shoes?
If you want shoes that truly work for your body, then yes - gait analysis is the smartest, safest way to choose the right pair.
It takes the guesswork out of the process and ensures you don’t spend money on a shoe that doesn’t suit your mechanics.
As Mark sums it up: “The best thing you can do is come in, get checked, and let us help get you in the right shoes.”
Book your gait analysis at Sportlink
Sportlink has been fitting runners for 31 years, and our team is made up of runners.
Whether you’re brand new to running or chasing a PB, our expert gait analysis can help you find the right support, cushioning, and fit - so every mile feels better.
Book your in-store gait analysis at Sportlink here.